Nursing Elites

1. Which substance would most likely need to be restricted in patients with heart failure who use diuretics to help reduce fluid retention?

• A. potassium
• B. magnesium
• C. sodium
• D. chloride

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sodium restriction is crucial in heart failure management to prevent fluid retention, which can worsen symptoms of heart failure.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing a list of resources in a community where nutritional status is significantly influenced by economics. What should the professional recommend?

• A. Public service announcement on healthy eating
• B. Educational programs on food safety
• C. The MyPyramid food guidance system
• D. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP provides financial assistance to help low-income individuals purchase food, directly addressing economic barriers to nutrition. Choices A, B, and C do not directly address the economic aspect of the community's nutritional status. A public service announcement on healthy eating may raise awareness but does not provide financial assistance. Educational programs on food safety focus on a different aspect of nutrition. The MyPyramid food guidance system is a tool for healthy eating but does not address the economic challenges faced by the community.

3. A nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client who has neutropenia as a result of radiation therapy for the treatment of lung cancer. Which of the following should the nurse plan to include in the teaching?

• A. Bottled water is an appropriate choice to increase fluid intake.
• B. The salad bar is a healthy choice when dining out.
• C. Soft-boiled eggs are an appropriate source of protein.
• D. Eating at a buffet is a good choice to increase caloric intake.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In neutropenia, which is a low count of neutrophils, the client is at a high risk of infection. It is crucial to emphasize the importance of proper hydration to maintain overall health. Bottled water is a safe choice as it reduces the risk of exposure to contaminants that could further compromise the client's immune system. The other options, like the salad bar, soft-boiled eggs, and eating at a buffet, may not be suitable for a client with neutropenia due to the risk of bacterial contamination or exposure to pathogens that could lead to infections, which should be avoided.

4. A healthcare professional has just inserted an NG tube for a client who is to start enteral tube feedings. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take to verify tube placement?

• A. Measure the tube length.
• B. Obtain an abdominal x-ray.
• C. Flush the tube with 20 mL of water.
• D. Auscultate the client’s lungs.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining an abdominal x-ray is the most accurate method to verify the correct placement of an NG tube. Measuring the tube length is not a reliable method to confirm placement as it may vary among individuals. Flushing the tube with water and auscultating the client's lungs are not definitive methods to ensure proper NG tube placement.

5. Medication for treating high blood cholesterol levels should not be used for most people unless:

• A. The patient has at least three major risk factors for coronary heart disease
• B. The patient has been experiencing symptoms of coronary heart disease for at least three months
• C. The patient's medical insurance covers prescription drugs
• D. Treatment with Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) alone is unsuccessful after three months

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is choice D because medication for high cholesterol is typically not considered unless Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC), which include diet and exercise, have not proven effective after a three-month period. This approach ensures that lifestyle modifications are given a fair chance to lower cholesterol levels before resorting to medication. Choice A is incorrect because the number of risk factors for coronary heart disease does not dictate when to begin medication; it is about the effectiveness of lifestyle changes. Choice B is incorrect as the duration of coronary heart disease symptoms does not determine when to start medication; the focus is on the response to TLC. Choice C is incorrect because the coverage of prescription drugs by the patient's insurance does not influence the medical decision to use medication for high cholesterol; it is based on medical necessity and effectiveness of prior interventions.

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